Ok, granpa's pass on's... Jackson stamps first, Jefferson to follow and one more Jackson for color comparison.I could use some help with which color? same? Of course, hoping for special. I do not believe there are any grills on them. I have a pic of the backs if needed and I can do a single photo of any if needed.

Could any of these be a rarer color variation of the vermillions? The two you mentioned, the 2nd and last stamp look very different from the other two. Of course fading can happen but these look for red than what I have seen online. I know it would be very rare to have a special printing and even more so if it were used, but nevertheless I would like to know.

If these were mine I'd have no hesitation to give them a soak in slightly warm water to remove the paper and hinges off the back. Gently scrape off any surplus gum off the back, Then press dry between clean blotting paper (or Kitchen paper towel). It will clean them and smooth out wrinkles. thereby improving the appearance.

This is acceptable ---- Repairing damaged teeth & tears is not !

_________________whatever it is -------it's better than a poke in eye with a wet umbrella !

Although these stamps were printed by 2 different printers the inks were essentially the same. American Bank Note Co. took over the Continental Bank Note Co in 1879. Even the soft porous paper used by American was actually introduced by Continental in mid or late 1878. Basically just a change in name.

The colors will vary due to 3 major factors;1. The ink making process was not well controlled and it produced some variety. In the vermilion the yellow/red balance produce various shades.

2. The processing of the stamps produced color differences. The gumming process, like the ink making, was not well controlled. Variations in the gum produced gums that were varied in PH. The more acidic gums and the higher the temperature in the drying chamber the greater the affect on the reds and carmine coloring pigments.

3. Post printing exposure to light and chemicals can have a marked effect on the color.

The colors that I see on my monitot are all within the normal range for this issue. I would not expect any of these examples to be from the special printings.

I asked before on the boards and have looked online about it with varying opinion in regard to soaking the stamps to clean them.How would I go about doing this properly? I have never cleaned a stamp before, my growing hobby is from my wife's grandfather when he was a young boy.